Management and biosecurity practices by small to medium egg producers in Scotland

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Public Health
• Animal Husbandry
• Agricultural Economics

Background:

• Limited information exists on biosecurity practices of small and medium egg producers (SMEPs).
• Anecdotal evidence suggests potential biosecurity deficiencies in SMEPs due to free movement of personnel and equipment.
• Personnel working on commercial units who also keep backyard poultry may compound disease risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and characterize the biosecurity and management practices of small and medium egg producers (SMEPs) in Scotland.
• To identify differences in biosecurity adoption between small and medium egg enterprises.
• To understand the unique disease risk profiles of SMEPs compared to other poultry sectors.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was designed and distributed to 375 holdings in Scotland.
• The survey targeted small enterprises (≥50 to <350 laying hens) and medium enterprises (≥350 to ≤32,000 laying hens).
• A total of 76 valid questionnaires from SMEPs were analyzed, covering keeper characteristics, flock size, husbandry, marketing, and biosecurity.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in reported biosecurity and management practices were observed between small and medium egg enterprises.
• Medium enterprises reported a higher adoption rate of biosecurity measures compared to small enterprises.
• SMEPs exhibit distinct behaviors and disease risk profiles compared to backyard poultry keepers and large commercial operations.

Conclusions:

• SMEPs require specific consideration in disease contingency plans and control programs.
• Enhanced engagement with SMEPs is crucial for optimizing the uptake of disease control information and programs.
• Tailored biosecurity guidance and support are necessary for different scales of egg production enterprises.